Early Voting Expands Across Chicago and Cook County for Illinois Primary 2026

New locations open in all 50 Chicago wards and 55 suburban Cook County sites ahead of March 17 primary election.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Early voting is expanding across Chicago and Cook County ahead of the Illinois Primary Election on March 17. The expansion began Monday and aims to provide greater access to the ballot box for voters, with new locations opening in all 50 Chicago wards and 55 sites in suburban Cook County. The primary election features several competitive congressional races, including a U.S. Senate race to replace Senator Dick Durbin.

Why it matters

Expanding early voting access is a common strategy to increase voter turnout, particularly in elections with multiple high-profile races. Providing more options for voters to cast their ballots can help mitigate potential challenges related to work schedules, transportation, or other commitments.

The details

The expansion of early voting locations began on Monday, with new sites opening across Chicago and suburban Cook County. In McHenry County, an additional 11 early voting sites are also opening for the primary. Voters who wish to register at their local polling place are reminded to bring two forms of identification. Election officials are also encouraging voters who plan to vote by mail to submit their ballots at least one week before Election Day, due to new postmark rules.

  • Early voting began about a month ago in Lake, Will, McHenry, Kane, Kendall and DuPage counties, though initially with limited locations.
  • The Illinois Primary Election is on March 17, 2026.

The players

Illinois Primary Election

The primary election features several competitive congressional races, including a U.S. Senate race to replace Senator Dick Durbin. Other races include contests for Illinois' 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 9th Congressional Districts.

Voters

Voters who wish to register at their local polling place are reminded to bring two forms of identification. Election officials are also encouraging voters who plan to vote by mail to submit their ballots at least one week before Election Day, due to new postmark rules.

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What’s next

Voters should check their local election board websites or contact their county clerk's office for the latest information on early voting locations and hours.

The takeaway

The expansion of early voting access across Chicago and Cook County aims to make it easier for voters to participate in the upcoming Illinois Primary Election, which features several high-profile congressional races. By providing more options for casting ballots, election officials hope to increase voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process.